The Mercury Mountaineer's available V8 engine makes 292 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, but that torque peaks on the high side of the rev range and the truck is heavy. For those reasons, we weren't overwhelmed by the response from the V8 when we prodded the accelerator, whether from a stop light or when passing on a two-lane road. The six-speed automatic transmission compensates somewhat, but not enough to impress. Still, with the V8, the Mountaineer is capable of 0-60 mph sprints in less than eight seconds, making it competitive for the class. The V8 gets an EPA-estimated 13/20 mpg with 2WD, 13/19 mpg with 4WD.

The V6 engine makes 210 horsepower and an impressive 254 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a five-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain provides good around-town power and offers decent pickup from a stop, but is lacking in passing punch. The V6's torque allows it to tow up to 5295 pounds, while the V8 can tow a maximum load of 7220 pounds. The V6 gets an EPA-estimated 14/20 mpg with 2WD, 13/19 mpg with 4WD.

As with the Explorer, we noticed some slack in the drivetrain in some situations. After stopping for a stop sign then stepping on the gas, there was a momentary lag, as if we were waiting for the driveline hook up. This was annoying.

The Mountaineer rides about as well as a GMC Envoy, but handles a bit better. The ride is supple, though the Mountainer's high stance means it can bound over bumps. It tracks relatively well on level, straight roads. While it leans corners, it isn't as excessive as in the Envoy. When pushed, however, the Mountaineer plows as readily as any top-heavy SUV. The steering is responsive and offers good feel.

While the Mountaineer rides smoothly and handles fairly well for a truck-based sport-utility, most crossover-type SUVs ride and handle better while also getting better fuel economy.

The all-wheel-drive system in the Mountaineer is more for conquering the snowy parking lot at a ski resort and maintaining controlled headway in downpours than for tackling rock-strewn terrain. And by that measure, it's quite competent. In the same vein, it's also just as good as the Envoy. Off road, it can't stay with a Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota 4Runner or Jeep Grand Cherokee.

At speed on pavement, there's some wind noise, but not enough to detract in the least from the stereo. Both engines emit a breathy growl that is well muffled, and road noise is decently muted.